A father wanted to read a magazine, but was being pestered by his daughter. To keep her busy, he tore a sheet out of the magazine that had a picture of the world printed on it. He tore the picture into small pieces and said “Here, now go into the other room and see if you can put this picture of the world back together again.”

A few minutes goes by and he daughter appears in the room and hands him the picture all correctly fitted together.

The father was surprised and ask her how she was able to fit all those little pieces of the world back together again so quickly.

“Oh..” she said, “On the other side of the paper was a picture of Jesus and once I got Jesus in the right place, then the world came out alright.”

Keep Jesus Christ at the center of your life!



The Bible is Historically Accurate

Archaeology again proves that the Bible is historically accurate. Biblical archaeology brings us into touch with the world of Bible peoples and provides us with a background of knowledge against which we can begin to understand the biblical narratives better. Archaeology reveals to us the conditions of life in past centuries, and in some cases recovers for us material objects that people used–from pieces of pottery to elegant gold vessels and jewelry, from clay tablets dealing with the business accounts of a long-dead Babylonian family to papyrus scrolls recording the diseases of ancient Egyptians and the medicines that they took.

Archaeology Not Meant to “Prove” the Truth of the Scriptures

Archaeology is not meant to “prove” the TRUTH of the Scriptures, because this revelation is from God, being basically spiritual and based on faith, has to be experienced personally and evaluated spiritually (I Cor. 2:14r. 2:14
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14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:  

WP-Bible plugin). Yet our understanding of that revelation as something from God that is and was experienced by real people helps us see that our faith is not the result of myth, magic, or folklore, but instead is rooted deeply in history.

Great Cities Mentioned in Scripture

When we learn through archaeology about some of the great cities mentioned in Scripture, and the splendid place they occupied in past centuries, we begin to see how time passed as people lived and died, governments rose and fell until the time came when Christ was revealed as the Savior of mankind. We learn also that what the Bible has to say about some of these famous places was in fact the sober truth. While Jerusalem came to be known in history as the “holy city” because God’s temple was there, other places were notorious for their wickedness. The Jews regarded proud Babylon as the home of all wickedness, and it was left in ruins by divine judgment, as prophesied by Isaiah. Archaeology has also shown how Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, struck terror in the minds of people because of the brutality of the Assyrian armies, but even that fell to a stronger power, as prophesied by Nahum. Proud Athens, the intellectual center of ancient Greece, was dedicated to the service of the pagan goddess Athena, and ruins of her temples may still be seen there today. Corinth, a Greek city that had an evil reputation in Paul’s day, contains the earliest known Christian cemetery showing that the gospel light was able to shine through the pagan darkness of that corrupt place. Archaeologists have even uncovered the site where Paul stood in judgment before Gallio (Acts 18:12-17Acts 18:12-17
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12 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, ¹³ Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law. ¹⁴ And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you: ¹⁵ But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters. ¹⁶ And he drave them from the judgment seat. ¹⁷ Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.  

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Witnesses to God’s Revelation

While archaeology helps us to understand ancient life and times, many of the ruins carry a stern reminder of God’s direct judgment upon human wickedness and disobedience. In this sense, therefore, the stones still cry out as witnesses to God’s revelation through the Law, the Prophets, and His Beloved Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ.



Source: Family Homes Network



*Trivia about the video narrator Grant Goodeve:


Grant Goodeve is an actor, television personality and teen idol of the 1970s. He is best known for playing the role of David, the oldest son, on Eight is Enough for five seasons. He dated Laurie Walters, the actress who played his television sister. Goodeve married Debbie Ketchum in 1978. He has lived in the Northwestern United States since 1989 with his wife and three children Katie, Emily and Mac.

Goodeve also appeared for two seasons in the recurring role of Rick Pedersen, the ill-fated bush pilot in the TV drama Northern Exposure, which was produced in the northwestern U.S. Goodeve’s work also includes numerous episodic television appearances, the role of Woody on the daytime soap opera One Life to Live, as well as roles in several made-for-television movies and feature films. Goodeve is also an excellent singer, and has made appearances as lead vocalist in several parody songs by Bob Rivers.

He currently hosts If Walls Could Talk on Home and Garden Television, along with a series of historical home specials titled, Homes of our Heritage for HGTV. Grant has been the host of KING TV’s Northwest Backroads since the show premiered in April 1998. Grant has been a contributor to Evening Magazine since 1990.

He was a serious alcoholic until a car crash finally convinced him to turn his life around. In 2001 Goodeve was born again. Grant enjoys spending time with his family, tennis, snow skiing, reading, and basking in the beauty of the Northwest.

(http://listing-index.ebay.com/actors/Grant_Goodeve.html)

When the ark came to rest upon the mountains of Ararat, and the plants began once again to grow, God spoke to Noah, saying, “Go out of the ark, you and every living thing with you.” And they went out.

Then Noah erected an altar and offered a sacrifice to the Lord…

…and the lamb that was being sacrificed?
…ever wondered what its last thoughts must have been?











Smile and have a blessed day with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!




Source: Kevin Frank

The Apostle Paul: “Rejected”
Based on Bill Britton’s classic; modified and expanded by Dean VanDruff. From Acts 17:11Acts 17:11
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11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.  

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MYSTERY BABYLON DENOMINATION
FOREIGN MISSIONS BOARD

To: Rev. Saul Paul
First Christian Church
Antioch, Syria



Dear Mr. Paul:

I have your application for missionary appointment before me, and will be as frank as possible concerning your qualifications as a foreign missionary. We have to be very careful in choosing our missionaries, and our Missions Board has reviewed your case thoroughly. We have decided that it would be unwise to send you to the foreign field for the following reasons:

1. It has come to our attention that you are doing secular work on the side. We do not feel that making tents and full time ministry go together very well. [1Th 2:9h 2:9
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   9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. for the: or, by the  
   
   WP-Bible plugin] It seems that you do not have enough experience in trusting the Lord for your income. You should make up your mind whether you want to preach or continue your profession.
   
2. Your previous actions have been very rash and unseemly for a minister. We learned that in a public meeting you opposed Dr. Simon Peter, an esteemed minister with a high reputation. [Ga 2:11-14Ga 2:11-14
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   11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. ¹² For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. ¹³ And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. ¹⁴ But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?  
   
   WP-Bible plugin] We also hear that you refused to compromise with other ministers such that a special council meeting had to be called in Jerusalem to prevent a serious split in the churches. [Ac 15:1-30Ac 15:1-30
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   15 ¹ And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. ² When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. ³ And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. ⁴ And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. ⁵ But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. rose...: or, rose up, said they, certain ⁶ And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. ⁷ And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. ⁸ And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; ⁹ And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. ¹⁰ Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? ¹¹ But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. ¹² Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. ¹³ And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: ¹⁴ Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. ¹⁵ And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, ¹⁶ After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: ¹⁷ That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. ¹⁸ Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. ¹⁹ Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: ²⁰ But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. ²¹ For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. ²² Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: ²³ And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: ²⁴ Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: ²⁵ It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, ²⁶ Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁷ We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. mouth: Gr. word ²⁸ For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; ²⁹ That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. ³⁰ So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:  
   
   WP-Bible plugin] We frown on putting ideology before people. For your own good, I am enclosing a copy of Daius’ Carnegus book on “How to Win Jews and Influence Greeks.” [Ga 1:10, 1Ga 1:10, 1
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   10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians ^{1 1} Paul, an apostle,  
   
   WP-Bible pluginTh 2:4-6h 2:4-6
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   4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? gifts: or, distributions ⁵ For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. ⁶ But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?  
   
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3. You have conflicted with mature Jewish brethren in nearly every city you have visited who simply want to encourage the converted Pagans to be properly circumcised. Mr. Paul, you must know that these men are our most learned sages with a deep sense of the roots and history of our faith. As well, and more importantly, these men control the synagogues you could be ministering in if you would simply tone down your dialog into a more friendly and respectful exchange. [Gal 5:2-12Gal 5:2-12
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   2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. ³ For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. ⁴ Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. ⁵ For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. ⁶ For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. ⁷ Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? hinder you: or, drive you back ⁸ This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. ⁹ A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. ¹⁰ I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. ¹¹ And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. ¹² I would they were even cut off which trouble you.  
   
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4. In checking back, we discovered your Christian education consisted of a three year course in Arabia. [Ga 1:15-20Ga 1:15-20
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   15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, ¹⁶ To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: ¹⁷ Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. ¹⁸ Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. went up: or, returned ¹⁹ But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. ²⁰ Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.  
   
   WP-Bible plugin] We find that the Arabian school has not been approved by our accreditation board.
   
5. Further, you admit to being an unskilled public speaker. [2Co 10:10, 11:6] Paul, surely you must know that people expect fine elocution from men of God, and that as a denomination we stand for the highest levels of excellence in the pulpit. Yet instead of going to much-needed oratory classes you spend your time making tents instead. From your correspondence, you also appear to be spending a considerable amount of time writing letters to insignificant little “churches” that meet in homes. [Ac 28:3-6Ac 28:3-6
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   3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. ⁴ And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. ⁵ And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. ⁶ Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.  
   
   WP-Bible plugin] Honestly now; do you really think that such misguided activities are what will lead to your success in the world of religion? We strongly suggest that you put down your tools and set aside your pen, and instead practice hand gestures, facial expressions, and voice modulation in front of a mirror for several hours a day until you come up to par.
   
6. It has come to the attention also that you often emphasize “the power of God” and “the gifts of the Spirit.” [1Co 2:3-5, 12:1-7] Also that you speak in tongues a great deal. [1Co 14:18] Surely you realize that such as this only drives off the better class of people, and attracts only the riff-raff. It would be better to tone down those more sensational forms of worship. You sound as though you are “off the deep end.” [1Co 3:18]
   
7. It has been proven to our satisfaction that you had hands laid on you at Antioch with prophecy going forth, [Ac 13:1-3Ac 13:1-3
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   13 ¹ Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. which...: or, Herod's foster brother ² As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. ³ And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.  
   
   WP-Bible plugin] with none of the Apostles or Headquarters brethren present to conduct this ordination service in the prescribed manner.
   
8. We see here that you have a jail record in several places. [2Co 11:23-27] If this is true, it puts you in a bad light, for our denomination has always stood for a high standard of civic responsibility. I fear it would damage our reputation to have someone representing us that had served time in jails and prisons. Frankly, Mr. Paul, we seriously doubt you could have been innocent and the judge wrong in so many cases. It just doesn’t look right.
   
9. It seems that you are a troublemaker, Mr. Paul. Several business men of Ephesus have written us that you were the cause of severe loss of business to them and even stirred mob violence. You must learn to cultivate the friendship and influence of men such as these. [Ac 16:16-22Ac 16:16-22
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   16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: of divination: or, of Python ¹⁷ The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. ¹⁸ And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. ¹⁹ And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, marketplace: or, court ²⁰ And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, ²¹ And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. ²² And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.  
   
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10. We also have some details of a shameful “over the wall in a basket” episode at Damascus, [2Co 11:30-33] plus a stoning at Lystra, and several other violent actions taken against your ministry. [2Ti 3:11] Haven’t you ever suspected that conciliatory behavior and gentler words might gain you more friends?
    
11. We have learned through channels that following some trouble with a preacher on the island of Cyprus, you began to allow yourself to be known by the Gentile pronunciation of your name rather than the proper Hebrew. [Ac 13:4-11Ac 13:4-11
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    4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. ⁵ And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. ⁶ And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: ⁷ Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. ⁸ But Elymas the sorcerer withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. ⁹ Then Saul, filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, ¹⁰ And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? ¹¹ And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.  
    
    WP-Bible plugin] Yet another conflict, and then a name change. This does not seem to us to be conduct becoming to the ministry.
    
12. You admitted in your application that in the past you neglected such needy fields as Bithynia, just because “the Spirit didn’t lead that way,” and that you undertook a hazardous journey on the strength of a dream you had at Troas. [Ac 16:6-10Ac 16:6-10
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    6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, ⁷ After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. ⁸ And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. ⁹ And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. ¹⁰ And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.  
    
    WP-Bible plugin] Mr. Paul, surely you don’t expect us to go along with such flimsy and fantastic excuses for your seemingly purposeless wanderings.
    
13. Many times you did not stay long enough, in our opinion, to get a church properly established. You left your converts many times without even a pastor to guide them, and without setting the church in order in some good hierarchical denomination. [Ts 1:5]
    
14. We hear also from Troas that you preach too long, one sermon lasting almost twenty-four hours, even to the extent that a young man fell asleep and was seriously injured. [Ac 20:7-12Ac 20:7-12
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    7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. ⁸ And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. ⁹ And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. ¹⁰ And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. ¹¹ When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. ¹² And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.  
    
    WP-Bible plugin] We understand that you claim to have restored his life and raised him from the dead by falling on him and embracing him. What nonsense! We need practical men in the ministry, Mr. Paul, not high strung emotional radicals. Our advice is for you to shorten your sermons considerably. We find that about twenty minutes is the longest a minister can hold the attention of his audience these days. Our motto is “Stand up, speak up, and shut up.”
    
15. It is reported from your home church that you could not get along with your fellow ministers; that John Mark–a commendable young man and nephew of one of our highest leaders–had to leave your party in the middle of a journey; and that you had a sharp quarrel with gentle, good natured Barnabas. [Ac 15:36-40Ac 15:36-40
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    36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. ³⁷ And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. ³⁸ But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. ³⁹ And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; ⁴⁰ And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.  
    
    WP-Bible plugin] Now these men are well thought of in Jerusalem and we wonder why you are always having trouble with your fellow workers?
    
16. We have notarized affidavits from four very popular and influential preachers: Diotrephes, Demas, Hymenaeus, and Alexander; to the effect that it is impossible for them to cooperate with either you or your program. [1Ti 1:20]
    
17. From what we hear, you seem to think that you have some direct sanction from on-high, boasting about your revelations and that God has chosen you to reveal some “Mystery”. [Ep 3:3-4Ep 3:3-4
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    3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, afore...: or, a little before ⁴ Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)  
    
    WP-Bible plugin] Can’t you realize that any truth that is to be revealed would come through Headquarters to the recognized, established brethren, and that after it had been checked by our Procedure and Doctrine Committee that we would distribute it on to the field workers?
    
18. Finally, we hear that you claim to be an Apostle. We know nothing of this being passed upon by the proper authoritative channels and wonder how you could back that claim up, when the last Apostle was voted into office right here in Jerusalem. [Ac 1:26Ac 1:26
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    26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.  
    
    WP-Bible plugin] Now that our denomination is firmly established, why do you imagine there would be any need for God to continue the Apostolic gifting?



As you see, Mr. Paul, we feel definitely after close scrutiny of your case, that you are undoubtedly the most unqualified applicant we have ever seen, and my advice for you is to find a church where you can work in harmony, and use your past education as perhaps a Sunday School teacher.

I hope I have prevented you from making a terrible mistake in your life.


Most sincerely yours,


J. Flavios Fluphehead, SECY





To all the Dads out there who are in snoring denial:
a belated Happy Father’s Day Video.





Just something to make you smile…Have a blessed day with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Jesus’ Birthplace
Jesus was born in Bethlehem.  The word means “house of bread.” The city over looks the main highway to Hebron and Egypt and is still a city today . Another significant thing about the birth place of Jesus is the very interesting fact that King David was also born in Bethlehem (1 Samuel 16:11 Samuel 16:1
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16 ¹ And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.  

WP-Bible plugin) and therefore Bethlehem is known as the “city of David.” Jesus’ earthly mother and her husband were also of the royal lineage of David and so it is to this city that they return to be counted and of course “when the time had fully come” (Galatians 4:4Galatians 4:4
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4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,  

WP-Bible plugin), Jesus was born. Is it not proof of the wonderful sovereignty and the completeness of the plan and purpose of God that the One who was born to occupy the throne of David, the Lord Jesus Christ, was born of the line of David in the very same city as was David himself? Therefore, what we have in Micah’s prophecy about the birth place of Jesus, the Messiah, is a prophecy that can be applied to David who became the king of Israel and then also applied to the birth of Jesus Christ, “David’s Son” (Luke 20:41-44Luke 20:41-44
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41 And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son? ⁴² And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, ⁴³ Till I make thine enemies thy footstool. ⁴⁴ David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?  

WP-Bible plugin). (AllAboutJesusChrist.org)





Jesus hometown.
In Jesus’ time, Nazareth would have had a population of about 500. and indeed, in the New Testament, Nazareth is depicted as an obscure backwater. In the Gospel of John, people who hear of Jesus of Nazareth ask themselves, “What good could come from Nazareth?” (John 1:46John 1:46
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46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.  

WP-Bible plugin) Nevertheless, the New Testament reports that Nazareth was the home of Mary and Joseph (Luke 1:26Luke 1:26
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26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,  

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23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene. ¹³ And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.  

WP-Bible plugin; Luke 2:4, 2:51, 4:16Luke 2:4, 2:51, 4:16
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4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; ²  

WP-Bible plugin). Nazareth is mentioned 17 times in the New Testament. Jesus eventually left the village for a wider ministry although he was always known to some as a “prophet from Nazareth in Galilee” (Matt 21:11Matt 21:11
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11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.  

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Modern Nazareth is situated among the southern ridges of the Lebanon Mountains, on the steep slope of a hill, about 14 miles from the Sea of Galilee and about 6 west from Mount Tabor. The modern city lies lower down upon the hill than the ancient one. Nazareth has a population of 60,000. The majority of Nazarenes are Israeli Arabs, about 35-40% of which are Christians and the rest are Muslims. (SacredDestinations.com)



Galilee
Jesus came here and helped the poor, he became a very popular man in this area and gave joy to many people. Miracles of Jesus happened here. Jesus walked on the water, Jesus cast out demons, Jesus gathers his disciples.



Jesus’ first ministry
Jesus started his first ministry here when he was 33 years old. After leaving Nazareth, Jesus goes to Capernaum, a sizeable town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, located in the region that Jewish sources considered to be Naphtali, but near the region considered to be Zebulun.

Although the town is mentioned nowhere in the Old Testament, it does feature in all the Gospels, and is likely to have been a new town that arose at some point during Roman control of the region. Matthew is the only source that has Jesus actually living in the town, while the other Gospels only have him preaching and meeting disciples there.





Jesus’ reflection place
The Mt. of Olives was Jesus place of reflection. This was the place where he went to be with God, and reflect upon his surroundings.

The Mt. of Olives is located east of Jerusalem, across the Kidron Valley. It offers a magnificent view of the Old City and a striking panorama as far as the Dead Sea and the mountains of Moab in the East. The Mt. of Olives is associated with some of the most important events in Jesus’ life. Here, Jesus ascended to Heaven (Chapel of Ascension), foretold the destruction Jerusalem, taught his disciples the Lord’s prayer, and wept over Jerusalem on his way to the Holy City on Palm Sunday (Church of Dominus Flevit).





Jesus first miracle
The first miracle performed by Jesus in his earthly ministry according to the four New Testament Gospel of the Bible was the “Wedding Feast at Cana”. It is described as the first time Jesus showed his glory, turning water into wine. According to the account, Jesus, his mother and his disciples were there. At the feast in the town of Cana in Galilee, all the wine had been used and there were no spare provisions. Mary informed her son that there was no wine left. Jesus asked her what she wanted from him. Mary said to the servants at the celebration, “Do whatever he tells you.” This quote is significant for Christians, it is considered an instruction to carry out the will of God the Father and His Son, Jesus.





Jordan River
This is the place where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.After the baptism the heavens opened above him and he was claimed as God’s son.





Judean Desert
Jesus was was led up of the Spirit into the wilderness (the Judean Desert) where Satan tempted him with evil.

The province of Judea, as distinguished from Galilee and Samaria, included the territories of the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, Dan, Simeon, and part of Ephraim. Under the Romans it was a part of the province of Syria, and was governed by a procurator.

The wilderness of Judea is situated along the Jordan and the Dead Sea, to the east of Jerusalem. The word translated “wilderness” in the New Testament does not denote a place of boundless forests, entirely destitute of inhabitants; but a mountainous, rough, and thinly settled country, covered to some considerable extent with forests and rocks, and better suited for pasture than for tilling. John the Baptist also preached repentance in the Judean wilderness (Matthew 3).





Garden of Gethsemane
This is where Jesus prayed before he was crucified on Mt.Zion. The Garden of Gethsemane is at the foot of the Mount of Olives, within the walled grounds of the Church of all Nations (also known as the Church of the Agony). It’s a peaceful garden among a grove of ancient olive trees, looking back at the eastern wall of the City of Jerusalem.

The Garden of Gethsemane is where Jesus prayed the night of his betrayal and arrest (Mark 14:32-50Mark 14:32-50
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32 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. ³³ And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; ³⁴ And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. ³⁵ And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. ³⁶ And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. ³⁷ And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? ³⁸ Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. ³⁹ And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words. ⁴⁰ And when he returned, he found them asleep again, neither wist they what to answer him. ⁴¹ And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. ⁴² Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand. ⁴³ And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. ⁴⁴ And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. ⁴⁵ And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him. ⁴⁶ And they laid their hands on him, and took him. ⁴⁷ And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. ⁴⁸ And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me? ⁴⁹ I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled. ⁵⁰ And they all forsook him, and fled.  

WP-Bible plugin). According to the record in Luke, Christ’s despair in Gethsemane was so deep that he sweat drops of blood (Luke 22:43-44Luke 22:43-44
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43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. ⁴⁴ And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.  

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Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” (Matthew 26:36Matthew 26:36
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36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.  

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Jesus’ place of death.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, known as the Church of the Resurrection (Anastasis) to Eastern Orthodox Christians, is a Christian church in the Old City of Jerusalem.

It stands on a site that encompasses both Golgotha, or Calvary, where Jesus was crucified, and the tomb (sepulchre) where he was buried.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been an important pilgrimage destination since the 4th century, and it remains the holiest Christian site in the world. (SacredDestinations.com)



Approximate Timeline

The following represents an approximate timeline of Jesus’ life.

Launch the Flash Timeline

Timeline from: LifeofChristonline.com

SO WHO DO YOU THINK JESUS CHRIST IS?

We have all sinned and deserve God’s judgement.

Jesus is the Son of God. He lived a sinless life and and because He loves us so much, He died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, taking the punishment we deserve.

Jesus was buried and rose from the dead and now He lives in heaven with God His Father. He offers us the gift of eternal life — of living forever with Him in heaven if we accept Him as our Lord and Savior. Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Me.”

God reaches out in love to you and wants you to be His child. “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe on His name.” You can choose to ask Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and come in to your life as your Lord and Savior.



If you want to accept Christ, you can ask Him to be your Savior and Lord by praying a prayer like this:

“Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life. I ask you in to my life and heart to be my Lord and Savior. Now, Lord guide me to Your ways. Help me grow in being a Christian.”


What is your response?

• Yes, today I am deciding to follow Jesus.

• Yes, I am already a follower of Jesus

• I still have questions










Don’t forget to thank God! And we really should…there are so many things that we should thank God for. But for a lot us we get caught up in the “Please God give me’s….”

Why don’t we start by thanking God for everyday things: breathing, walking, thinking, loving, existing…

How has God blessed your life?



“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord…” Psalm 92:1Psalm 92:1
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92 A Psalm or Song for the sabbath day. ¹ It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:  

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“Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107:8-9Psalm 107:8-9
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8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! ⁹ For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.  

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“Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? Who can declare all His praise?” Psalm 106:1-2Psalm 106:1-2
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106 ¹ Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Praise...: Heb. Hallelujah ² Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise?  

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“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” Psalm 69:30Psalm 69:30
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30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.  

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“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-181 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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16 Rejoice evermore. ¹⁷ Pray without ceasing. ¹⁸ In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  

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Some ways to thank and praise God!

• Do it with your mouth, not just your mind – Psalm 51:15, 63:5, 66:8, 66:17, 71:8, 15, 24, 105:2, 109:30, 119:171-172, 145:21Psalm 51:15, 63:5, 66:8, 66:17, 71:8, 15, 24, 105:2, 109:30, 119:171-172, 145:21
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  15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.  
  
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• Seek God, thirst for Him – Psalm 22:26, 42:2, 63:8, 105:4Psalm 22:26, 42:2, 63:8, 105:4
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  26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.  
  
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• Thank God continuously – Psalm 71:6, 8, 14-15, 75:9, 79:13, 92:1-2, 115:18, 145:2Psalm 71:6, 8, 14-15, 75:9, 79:13, 92:1-2, 115:18, 145:2
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  6 By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee. ⁸ Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day. ¹⁴ But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more. ¹⁵ My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.  
  
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• Tell people about God’s wondrous works – Psalm 26:7, 96:3Psalm 26:7, 96:3
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  7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.  
  
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• Thank and praise God in front of your brothers and sisters in the congregation, among many people- Psalm 22:22, 25, 26:12, 35:18, 68:26, 111:1, 116:19Psalm 22:22, 25, 26:12, 35:18, 68:26, 111:1, 116:19
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  22 I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. ²⁵ My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him. ²⁶ The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.  
  
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• Among the unsaved of all nations, thank and praise God – Psalm 18:49, 57:9, 96:10, 108:3Psalm 18:49, 57:9, 96:10, 108:3
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  49 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name. give...: or, confess  
  
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• Praise God to the next and all generations – 79:13, 102:18, 145:4

• Sing praises to God, sing with understanding, and make it glorious – Psalm 7:17, 47:7, 66:2, 66:4, 9:2, 27:6, 28:7, 57:9, 61:8, 63:7, 68:4, 32, 69:30, 71:22-23, 92:1, 96:2, 101:1, 104:33, 105:2, 135:3, 146:2Psalm 7:17, 47:7, 66:2, 66:4, 9:2, 27:6, 28:7, 57:9, 61:8, 63:7, 68:4, 32, 69:30, 71:22-23, 92:1, 96:2, 101:1, 104:33, 105:2, 135:3, 146:2
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  17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.  
  
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• Even sing for joy in your bed -  Psalm 149:5Psalm 149:5
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  5 Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.  
  
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• Do it with all your heart – Psalm 9:1, 86:12, 111:1, 138:1Psalm 9:1, 86:12, 111:1, 138:1
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  9 To the chief Musician upon Muthlabben, A Psalm of David. ¹ I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.  
  
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• Be glad and rejoice in God – Psalm 9:2Psalm 9:2
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  2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.  
  
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• Fear God, honor Him, glorify Him, revere Him – Psalm 22:23Psalm 22:23
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  23 Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.  
  
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• Love and respect God’s house – Psalm 26:8, 138:2Psalm 26:8, 138:2
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  8 LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. where...: Heb. of the tabernacle of thy honour  
  
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• Don’t sin, seek righteousness – Psalm 33:1Psalm 33:1
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  33 ¹ Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.  
  
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• Play musical instruments to praise God, and do it skillfully – Psalm 33:2-3, 43:4, 71:22, 92:3, 149:3, 150:3-5Psalm 33:2-3, 43:4, 71:22, 92:3, 149:3, 150:3-5
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• Shout for joy, rejoice – Psalm 33:3Psalm 33:3
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  3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.  
  
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• Be creative in your praise (write or sing God a NEW song, not always the same old one) – Psalm 33:3Psalm 33:3
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  3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.  
  
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• Stand in awe of Him – Psalm 33:8Psalm 33:8
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  8 Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.  
  
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• Remember and praise God’s names – Psalm 44:8, 45:17, 54:6Psalm 44:8, 45:17, 54:6
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  8 In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.  
  
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• Lift up your hands to Him – Psalm 63:4Psalm 63:4
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  4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.  
  
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• Think about God at night – Psalm 63:6Psalm 63:6
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  6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.  
  
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• Encourage other to praise and thank God – Psalm 67:3-5Psalm 67:3-5
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  3 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. ⁴ O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah. govern: Heb. lead ⁵ Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.  
  
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• Praise him with dancing – Psalm 150:3, 30:11, 149:3Psalm 150:3, 30:11, 149:3
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  3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. trumpet: or, cornet ⁶ Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.  
  
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(from:  ChristianAnswers.net)



Smile and have a blessed day with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!



• Cartoon from:  KevinFrank.net

Dear Reader,

If you have anything that we can use for “Things that Make You Smile and Think” and “Interesting Stuff”, please give us the link or email us your article at calvarychapel.dgt@gmail.com (this is the CCD email address exclusively for website matters), and we will post it here with the name of the contributor…We however, reserve the right to edit and choose which contributions will finally be published.

We would love to hear from you!

Thank you,

The CCD Bezalel Circle

Waiting can be a bore and being patient certainly seems to be a very passive thing to do…But in the midst of nothing happening, there is always something happening. Subtle change is something we often do not catch on to right away…But always in the stillness, underneath the surface, there is something happening.

In these times when answers don’t seem to be forthcoming from God, the Holy Spirit is actively working…maybe we need inner spiritual growth or it is something else that we just need to be patiently waiting for. It will happen and God will give us His answers…for some things we may have to wait a short time, for other things the wait is much longer… sometimes God’s answer may even be a no… whatever it is we are waiting for we should not be in too much of a hurry. Most often than not we need to wait patiently.    Do you need patience right now?

The Bible says that we are to wait upon the Lord, but the prayer we usually mutter goes more like, “Lord, give me patience—right now!”

How do you wait? When nothing seems to be happening, make your waiting time active… Pray and talk to God.

“Lord, please grant me the patience I lack…and can you give it to me now, please?” (Just kidding…)


Psalm 130:5Psalm 130:5
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5 I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.  

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• I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope.



So while you are waiting and being patient…take a look at this music video about waiting. This video is from the movie Fireproof.





Smile and have a blessed day!



Source of picture:  ReverendFun.com





Dear Reader,

If you have anything that we can use for “Things that Make You Smile and Think” and “Interesting Stuff”, please give us the link or email us your article at calvarychapel.dgt@gmail.com (this is the CCD email address exclusively for website matters), and we will post it here with the name of the contributor…We however, reserve the right to edit and choose which contributions will finally be published.

We would love to hear from you!

Thank you,

The CCD Bezalel Circle

On a recent trip to Dipolog City I bought lechon (roasted) pig to bring home to my kids. The lechon, in reality, was baked bread shaped to look like a roasted pig.  My two daughters squealed with delight when I unwrapped their pasalubong (souvenir gift). This, I guess, will be on display for as long as it can hold off attacks against molds or the ants.  Or I may just have to clear out my freezer so that I can put it in cold storage for awhile. Frozen pig bread anyone? I am seriously thinking of hosting a party in order to show it off



Another novel item I bought was on my trip to Cebu. It was from a street vendor hawking his wares. I, the hawker’s captured customer, trapped inside a taxi and stuck in traffic, could not avoid his sales pitch.  I succumbed and bought from him an intricately made tree which from a distance looked like a delicate glass sculpture. Upon closer inspection, however, one pleasantly discovers that it is actually a work of art made from a discarded plastic Sprite bottle! When I asked the vendor if he made it.  He replied, ‘No ma’am, a prisoner made it.’



Later, while waiting for our bus back home to Dumaguete, I could not help but just stare and be mesmerized by the object I was holding.  I was in awe at the skill of the prisoner who crafted the finely detailed tree. The fact that there were 4 or 5 other vendors plying the street selling the same item did not diminish my wonderment.

My thoughts then turned to God. How much more majestic and awesome our Father is whose hands created the world and us! The tree I was holding of course does not merit comparison, but the plastic tree brought to mind the tree of life which is mentioned in Revelation 22:2-3Revelation 22:2-3
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2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. ³ And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:  

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• Down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.

If I can be excited over a plastic sculpture… picture that which God created… plus the thought of finally being with Him…seeing Him face to face in His Kingdom!!! WOW!!! One can only imagine…



I had to hire a porter to carry the few pieces of luggage we had so that I could take care of my seemingly fragile tree.

The other porters were amused by my precious treasure and one of them jokingly said, ‘Ma’am, ibilin na lang na!’ (Ma’am, just leave that behind!) I smiled back at him and said, ‘Of course not!’ And I went along my merry way lovingly carrying my recyled plastic Sprite bottle back home…



• This article was submitted by Ana Patrice
  

Dear Reader,

If you have anything that we can use for “Things that Make You Smile and Think” and “Interesting Stuff”, please give us the link or email us your article at calvarychapel.dgt@gmail.com (this is the CCD email address exclusively for website matters), and we will post it here with the name of the contributor…We however, reserve the right to edit and choose which contributions will finally be published.

We would love to hear from you!

Thank you,

The CCD Bezalel Circle



45 mph………………….God Will Take Care of You
55 mph………………….Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
65 mph………………….Nearer My God to Thee
75 mph………………….Nearer Still Nearer
85 mph………………….This World Is Not My Home
95 mph………………….Lord, I’m Coming Home
Over 100 mph…………….Precious Memories



But please, please…never overspeed on the highway.  This is not only for your own safety but also for the safety of your fellow commuters…

*Drive safely that you may arrive at your destination in one piece so that you can sing more hymns praising and worshiping our Lord and Savior!

To close this article, Beloved, let us sing the hymn:

• Safe, Safe Home

Smile and have a blessed safe day!





• The Ark
• Videos
• Additional Information



*Modified a bit from the original.



• You can’t answer the question, “Where are you from?”

• The vast majority of your clothes are hand-me-downs.

• You speak two languages but can’t spell either.

• You embarrass yourself by asking what swear words mean.

• You read National Geographic and recognize someone.

• You have a time zone map next to your telephone.

• You would rather eat ‘kinilaw’ (raw fish with vinegar) than cafeteria food.

• You consider a city 500 km away to be ‘very close’.

• You watch nature documentaries and think about how good that animal would taste if it were fried.

• You can cut grass with a machete but can’t start a lawn mower.

• You speak with authority on the subject of airline travel.

• You read the international section before the comics.

• Strangers say they can remember you when you were ‘this tall’.

• You have friends from or in 29 different countries.

• You do your devotions in another language.

• You sort your friends by continent.

• You realize that furlough is not a vacation.

• You wince when people mispronounce foreign words.

• You’ve spoken in dozens of churches but aren’t a pastor.

• The majority of your friends don’t speak English.

• Someone brings up the name of a team and you get the sport wrong.

• You like everything from Reggae to Japanese rap.

• You never take anything for granted.

• You watch a movie set in a foreign country, and you know what the nationals are REALLY saying into the camera.

• You know how to pack.

• Fitting 15 or more people into a car seems normal.

• You refer gravel roads to highways.

• You haggle with the checkout clerk for a lower price.

• You get upset when people don’t finish their food and feel worse when they scrape it into the trash.

• You don’t think that two hours is a long sermon.

• You never have a special meal on Sunday, since it is your busiest day.

• You don’t do well in job interviews because you were taught to be modest.

• You think nothing of straddling white lines to pass between trucks or buses traveling side by side, because “There was plenty of room, officer. Honest! At least 15 cm clearance.”

• Someone in your passport country has to explain to you that the double yellow lines mean ONLY oncoming traffic can drive on that side of the road, even when there ISN’T any oncoming traffic…and you don’t understand why.

• You feel odd being in the ethnic majority.

• You go to the local Filipino restaurant just to listen to the conversation.

• You have to have five hot sauces on a Big Mac.

• You really do enjoy Oriental folk music.

• You marvel at the cleanliness of gas station bathrooms.

• Your last memories of your parents’ families are twenty years old.

• You think you’ve died and gone to heaven when you go into a foreign grocery store.

• You have a name in at least two different languages, and it is not the same one.

• You miss the sub-titles when you see the latest movies.

• You feel you need to move after you’ve lived in the same place for a month.

• Your idea of a good night is a Japanese cartoon and ‘Cup Noodles’.

• You cruise the internet looking for fonts that support your ‘native’ language’s alphabet.

• You think a ‘foreign school’ conducts classes in English.

• You try to get onto a military base by showing your passport.

• Your carry-on luggage weighs more than you do.



Does your life seem boring and dull after reading the list above?  Maybe a Missionary’s life is for you.  Pray about it.  Start packing your bags and go where our Lord leads you…

Then maybe we can add on the list (for Filipino Missionaries only):

• You go camping in the wilderness just so you can satisfy your craving for your favorite Filipino food.   Finally, you get to cook and eat your beloved  ‘bulad‘ (very smelly dried fish) -  aaahhhh yuuummmy ...   





Source:  Wilk4.com

A colorful rainbow brings to light the interconnected nature of one of the world’s most familiar books.

The Bible’s 1,189 chapters are plotted along the horizontal axis at the bottom of the image, with each bar’s length determined by the number of verses.

The arcs above the graph show the 63,779he 63,779
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
Izbrano poglavje ne obstaja!

WP-Bible plugin cross-references between each chapter.

“It almost looks like one monolithic volume,” said Carnegie Mellon’s Chris Harrison, who–along with Christoph Romhild of North Elbian Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hamburg, Germany–won an honorable mention for illustrations in the 2008 International Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge.

Additional Information:

• This diagram arose from a collaboration between a Carnegie-Mellon Ph.D student and a Lutheran pastor to create a grand map of Biblical cross-references: “We wanted something that honored and revealed the complexity of the data at every level –- as one leans in, smaller details should become visible. This ultimately led us to the multi-colored arc diagram… The bar graph that runs along the bottom represents all of the chapters in the Bible. Books alternate in color between white and light gray. The length of each bar denotes the number of verses in the chapter. Each of the 63,779he 63,779
  English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
  Izbrano poglavje ne obstaja!
  
  WP-Bible plugin cross references found in the Bible is depicted by a single arc – the color corresponds to the distance between the two chapters, creating a rainbow-like effect.”

• “Although the Bible is made up of 66 individual books written by several different people, a scientific graph of the intersection of the content shows it to be so united that it appears to virtually be the work of one hand. Just another proof of the veracity of the Word.” – Ed Hodge

• Read the original post from the National Geographic.

• Check out the original image at Chris Harrison’s site.

Take a look and see why his promising career as a lifeguard did not flourish…
Smile and have a blessed day with our Lord and Savior!



Moses did not make it as a lifeguard, he failed! He also had his own share of run-ins on several very serious setbacks. Read the following post about how God gave Moses second chances. If you’re experiencing failures like Moses did, there too, is hope for you:

• God is the God of ordinary men who accomplish extraordinary things.

Dear Reader,

If you have anything that we can use for “Things that Make You Smile and Think”, please give us the link or email us at calvarychapel.dgt@gmail.com (this is the CCD email address exclusively for website matters), and we will post it here with the name of the contributor…We however,  reserve the right to edit and choose which contributions will finally be published.

We would love to hear from you!

Thank you,

The CCD Bezalel Circle

Have you ever wondered, “Where will I spend eternity?” God’s Word gives only two ultimate destinations for all humans. The first one is called hell and the Bible describes another ultimate destination called Heaven.

The question may at first make you smile…”"How will you spend eternity-Smoking or Non-smoking?” But seriously, think for a moment and ask yourself the question…



Non-Smoking or Smoking?

Philippians 4:6-7Philippians 4:6-7
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  

WP-Bible plugin (New International Version)

6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 29:11Psalm 29:11
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.  

WP-Bible plugin

11 The LORD gives strength to his people;
the LORD blesses his people with peace.


The attitude of gratitude. The healthiest human emotion is the attitude of gratitude, having a grateful heart, being thankful. It actually increases your immunities. It is a physical benefit to express the attitude of gratitude. If you’re depressed, make a list of fifty things you can be grateful for. When you’re grateful, it gets the focus off your problems and gets the focus on the benefits in your life. We have so much that we take for granted. Develop the attitude of gratitude and watch the stress level in your life go down.

People try pills, fads, drugs, therapy, rock crystals, stress reduction seminars and listen to tapes, books — anything to give just a little peace of mind. Paul says God’s peace is a gift to you. It is a gift that cannot be explained, duplicated, fabricated or understood. It is the sense of peace that comes over your life. THANK THE LORD FOR HIS PEACE TODAY!



• Read the full post : A Divided Mind



From SownSeed.com

Emergency numbers may be dialed direct. No operator assistance is necessary. All lines to Heaven are open 24 hours a day! Feed your faith, and doubt will starve to death!